Get Your Personalized Supplement StackSupplement Stack Quiz

Organic Pea

Q: Is PEA safe for long-term use?

Yes, current evidence supports the safety of PEA for chronic use up to several months. Clinical trials have not reported significant adverse effects with long-term use.

Q: How quickly does PEA work for pain?

Some patients report experiencing pain relief within days to weeks of starting PEA supplementation. The exact onset of action can vary depending on the individual and the condition being treated.

Q: Can PEA replace conventional pain medications?

PEA may reduce the need for other analgesics, but it should not replace prescribed medications without medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before making any changes to your medication regimen.

Q: Is organic pea extract the same as PEA?

PEA is a specific compound found in peas; organic pea supplements may contain PEA but vary widely in content. Ensure the product specifies the PEA content for accurate dosing.

Also known as: Palmitoylethanolamide, PEA, Palmitic acid ethanolamide

Overview

Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is an endogenous fatty acid amide found in various foods, including legumes like peas, egg yolks, and soybeans. It is also synthesized in the body and involved in modulating inflammation and pain. As a supplement, PEA is primarily used for managing chronic and neuropathic pain, inflammation, and potentially metabolic disorders. It exhibits analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects with a favorable safety profile. Research maturity is moderate to advanced, with multiple randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses supporting its efficacy in pain management. Oral bioavailability is adequate, and co-micronized formulations can improve absorption and efficacy. PEA modulates mast cell degranulation, reduces neuroinflammation, and activates peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPAR-α).

Benefits

PEA has demonstrated a significant reduction in chronic pain intensity compared to placebo, with meta-analyses of RCTs showing weighted mean differences in pain scores of approximately 1.3 points on visual analog scales (VAS). It is effective in neuropathic and inflammatory pain conditions. Some studies report improvements in quality of life and functional status, although these are less consistently quantified. PEA may also offer potential benefits in metabolic syndrome-related adiposopathy when combined with other supplements. These benefits are primarily observed in adults with chronic neuropathic or inflammatory pain conditions, and patients with metabolic syndrome may benefit from co-micronized PEA formulations. Meta-analyses show a statistically significant analgesic effect (p < 0.005) with moderate effect sizes. Benefits are typically observed in studies ranging from weeks to months, with the exact onset varying by condition and dosage.

How it works

PEA primarily works by modulating mast cell degranulation, reducing neuroinflammation, and activating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPAR-α). It acts on both the peripheral and central nervous systems to reduce pain signaling. A key molecular target is the PPAR-α receptor, where activation mediates anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Oral bioavailability is adequate, and co-micronized formulations improve absorption and efficacy. By interacting with these biological pathways, PEA helps to alleviate pain and inflammation.

Side effects

PEA is generally well-tolerated with a favorable safety profile. Common side effects are minimal, with no significant adverse events reported in meta-analyses. Uncommon side effects, occurring in 1-5% of users, may include rare mild gastrointestinal discomfort reported anecdotally. Serious adverse effects are rare, with no such effects documented in clinical trials. No significant drug interactions have been reported, but caution is advised when combined with other analgesics. There are no established contraindications, but caution is advised during pregnancy and lactation due to limited data. Safety in children and pregnant women is not well established. Overall, PEA is considered safe for most individuals when taken as directed.

Dosage

The minimum effective dose of PEA is around 300 mg/day. Optimal dosage ranges typically fall between 600 mg to 1200 mg per day, which has been shown to be safe in clinical trials. Dosing should be daily, and while timing relative to meals is not critical, micronized forms may enhance absorption. Co-micronized PEA formulations with flavonoids like rutin may also enhance efficacy. Micronization improves bioavailability. No specific cofactors are required for PEA to be effective. Up to 1200 mg/day has been shown to be safe in clinical trials.

FAQs

Is PEA safe for long-term use?

Yes, current evidence supports the safety of PEA for chronic use up to several months. Clinical trials have not reported significant adverse effects with long-term use.

How quickly does PEA work for pain?

Some patients report experiencing pain relief within days to weeks of starting PEA supplementation. The exact onset of action can vary depending on the individual and the condition being treated.

Can PEA replace conventional pain medications?

PEA may reduce the need for other analgesics, but it should not replace prescribed medications without medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before making any changes to your medication regimen.

Is organic pea extract the same as PEA?

PEA is a specific compound found in peas; organic pea supplements may contain PEA but vary widely in content. Ensure the product specifies the PEA content for accurate dosing.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10053226/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs examined the efficacy of palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) in treating chronic pain. The analysis included 786 patients treated with PEA and 512 controls, finding that PEA significantly reduces pain intensity with a weighted mean difference of approximately 1.3 on visual analog scales (VAS), indicating its potential as a well-tolerated analgesic.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36015298/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical evidence confirms the analgesic efficacy of PEA in various clinical settings. The study highlights the potential of PEA as a therapeutic option for managing chronic pain, although it notes that some trials were limited by small sample sizes.
https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/25/16/9079 – This study investigates the effects of co-micronized PEA with rutin in patients with metabolic syndrome. The findings indicate that the combination of PEA and rutin improved adiposopathy markers, suggesting potential benefits in managing metabolic syndrome-related conditions.
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/17/3/413 – This RCT examined the effects of co-micronized PEA–Rutin in metabolic syndrome patients. The study found that PEA combined with rutin improved adiposopathy markers, suggesting a potential therapeutic role in managing metabolic syndrome.
https://www.painphysicianjournal.com/current/pdf?article=NDUwMg%3D%3D&journal=106 – This article provides a comprehensive review of palmitoylethanolamide in the treatment of chronic pain. It highlights that PEA significantly reduces pain intensity and is well-tolerated, making it a valuable option for managing chronic pain conditions.